Obituary of Celeste Cosenza

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Celeste Cosenza.  On August 24, 2023, Celeste died peacefully surrounded by the love of her adoring children and devoted husband. Celeste was born on February 17, 1936 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to Anthony and Immaculata Russo of Sant’Agata di Puglia, Italy. She spent most of her life living in Brooklyn and raised a family there with the love of her life, Gilbert Cosenza, also a resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Celeste worked as a bank teller at First National City Bank of New York (now Citibank) before she became a mother.  Upon her husband's retirement as a Captain of the New York City Fire Department, Celeste helped Gil start his own fire inspection and safety company, where she served as CEO.  In recent years, Celeste moved to Albertson, NY to be closer to her children and grandchildren.  Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her beloved family.  

A chef extraordinaire, Celeste took great delight in preparing elaborate home cooked Italian meals for her family.  No one who visited her home left without enjoying her home cooking and visitors often received a parting gift of her food or an Italian food specialty. Among her specialities were her baked ziti, Italian rice balls, meatballs, pizza, cream puffs, and zucchini flowers. For many years, she hosted Christmas Eve, preparing the traditional seven fishes feast.  She especially loved cooking for her grandchildren, and she frequently could be found walking around her neighborhood boasting about her grandchildren and their love of her cooking.  Upon the announcement of the impending arrival of a grandchild, Celeste immediately took to knitting blankets, booties, and caps.  She was both prolific in her production of baby gear and brilliant in her workmanship.  A master conversationalist, Celeste enjoyed speaking to everyone about what was on her mind. After moving to Albertson, one of Celeste's great pleasures was shopping at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Food Emporium.  She was capable of marathon shopping sprees and spared no expense, especially when it came to purchasing the highest-quality produce and specialty Italian meats and cheeses. She also enjoyed praying her novenas daily for her family and friends. 

Celeste will always be remembered for her work ethic, her kind heart and sweet disposition, and of course, her extraordinary love of her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Gilbert, her four adoring children, Gil (Francine), Dawn (Glen), Jodie (Carlos), and Todd (Elizabeth), her ten loving grandchildren, Dean (Jessica), Mark, Juliana, Andrew, John, Christopher, Daniel, Matthew, Olivia, and James and her sister, Filomena.  She is joined in eternal rest with her father and mother, Anthony and Immaculata, her sister, Florence, her brother, Leonard, and her granddaughter, Ava. We are grateful for your expressions of sympathy as we mourn the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother.

Donations can be made in Celeste’s honor to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.